I have used a pearlescent additive for acrylic paints in a fine art setting, but I'm not aware of a hard durable coating like an automotive paint that you can apply at home with a brush. I did a bit of a search and couldn't find anything. The way they do it with automotive paint is to spray the base color, then the pearl paint, then the clear coat. I couldn't find an alternate method. Before you decide it's too expensive to have an auto body shop spray it for you you should get a quote. Awlgrip is pretty expensive. You may come out close enough you could justify the price jump. I sprayed my kayak myself (using a spray booth and professional protective equipment) using Awlcraft 2000, and the price was very close the the prices Dan Caouette pays to have his stuff professionally sprayed.

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